“This was an attack none of us foresaw.”Srim Udap scanned the chamber, his gaze lingering for a moment on Nenn.“An illogical strategy is required.You will share your symbiotes with the uz, Drafe Arrak.”
Gasps rippled across the room.Kish Udap slapped the stone desk, and silence prevailed.
Nenn peered at Drafe out of the corner of his eye.The male didn’t react, as expected, despite this shocking news.To share his symbiotes with an Ivoyan was only done when a warrior graduated to protector.The higher the Ivoyan’s rank, the more honor the warrior would bring to his tribe.Like Drafe had with Luharp Vadril Ot, Ivoy’s revered ruler.An uz would bring no honor.And until that uz died, Drafe wouldn’t be able to protect another Ivoyan.
“The acting Ivoyan leadership has demanded justice be served.You and your uz will travel the galaxy and hunt down the culprits.”Kish Udap pinched his brow.“All findings will be reported to me.”
Drafe straightened.“As you command, Kish Udap.”
“You leave when the symbiote transfer is complete, your implant replaced, and a ship fueled.”Eran Udap swept out his hand.“Choose your crew.Additional security will be provided.”
“Do not take this mission as leniency on our part.”Kish Udap nodded at his council members.“Fail this, and dishonor and exile won’t be the worst of your punishment.”
Nenn had expected exile, so if this wasn’t that, then what was this mission?A chance for Drafe to regain favor or die trying?
Drafe frowned.“I thank you for this opportunity, Great Council.”Offering his back to the Q.C.C., he addressed the chamber.“One from each tribe would suffice.Riermus aac Vaen, Zuphayr aac Gusin, Jeerlud aac Juunn, Borven aac Igar, Giniiri aac Nenn, and Awayar aac Caah.”
Nenn froze and sucked in a sharp breath, even as his hearing dampened.To be chosen was an honor and a death sentence.Those who jogged to the dais scowled.No doubt, they, too, felt as Nenn did.
“So noted.”Srim Udap banged his fist on the desk.
The Q.C.C.followed, announcing the end of the council.
Nenn studied the warriors around him—a few he knew.
“You are a lucky male,” Vaen snapped.“Not that I thank you for dragging me along.”
“Same.”Juunn’s green eyes flashed.His brown hair ruffled, revealing his displeasure.
“Is this punishment for making you wait for the temp-device?”Nenn rocked on his heels, a smile teasing his lips.
If anyone could make a success of this mission, it had to be Drafe.And, according to his studies, an uz wasn’t as stupid as most of the Qaldreth thought.They just weren’t savants like the ots.
Drafe chuckled.“You were there, Nenn.I assumed you would want to see justice done.”
“As Osnir is my witness, Drafe, the killers will pay.To stand aside, let you go off on this mission alone, my children’s children will forever curse my name.”Nenn grasped Drafe’s forearm.
“You believe we can find them?”Vaen arched a golden brow, glowing against his dark gray skin.
“I do.”Drafe clenched his jaw—an indication of his determination.He met Nenn’s gaze.“Besides, you are the only maed I know.”
Nenn chuckled.“Fair enough.”
“Yet again, you escape justice.”Ulvus shoved through the males to glare at Drafe.
Nenn jerked back.The venom in this sava’s voice was alarming.He resisted the urge to come between the male and Drafe.An arrak could defend himself.
Vaen did though, offering Drafe a shoulder while he tried to usher the angry male away.“Ulvus, now is not—”
“You should not have been accepted as a karu then awarded an ot.Now, this.”Ulvus growled.“Kreta curse you, Drafe.”
“Ah, Meorri aac Ulvus Sava, it is good that you are wishing Osnir’s blessings upon this journey.”Kish Udap parted the males gathered.“For you, too, shall be tasked to assist Drafe Arrak.”
Ulvus’s cheeks paled, but he offered a nod.
Nenn grimaced, dreading having to spend a minute in the negative male’s presence.
Vaen’s golden eyes dulled to brown when he glared at Ulvus’s disappearing back.“Foq, I’d prefer to bring all the untrained karu than that idiot.”His tone dipped, keeping his words to the gathered circle.
